Being relatively low in calories and high in protein, tofu is a really good option for vegans, but it’s not required eating when you follow a vegan diet. And, yes, omnivores can eat it too! There has been a lot of hubbub in the nutrition world as to whether or not soy is healthy. The truth is that most of the studies that show soy being harmful are funding by the meat industry and are done using isolated soy protein, which is as far from the soybean as you can get. There have been plenty of studies that show the benefits of soy, and epidemiological studies have found that soy protein may reduce the risk for cancers including breast, lung, colon and prostate. Soy protein has also been shown to be useful for warding off heart disease due because it has been known to lower cholesterol and enhance coronary artery function. Asian cultures who have been consuming soy for thousands of years have lower instances of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. And despite any urban legends you may have heard, eating tofu will not cause men to grow breasts.
Here are six Tofu-licious Recipes for you to enjoy
Cajun Tofu with Dirty Quinoa from The Lusty Vegan by Ayindé Howell and Zoë Eisenberg. This cajun rub is a nice blend of salt and red spices that can act as the undertone or the main flavor. In this recipe, it’s the main flavor. Paired with “dirty” quinoa, you get a flavorful dish guaranteed to satisfy.
Butternut Squash Ratatouille with Chimichurri Baked Tofu from Glue and Glitter’s Becky Striepe. Baked tofu pairs deliciously with butternut squash in this cool weather comfort food dish.
Down-Home Country Tofu Scramble with Sweet & Smokey Tempeh Strips from Going Vegan by Joni Marie Newman and Gerrie Adams. No self-respecting book titled Going Vegan would be complete without a recipe for a tofu scramble! And this one doesn’t disappoint.
Greek Pizza with Tofu Feta from Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen’s Dianne Wenz. Tofu is incredible versatile and with a little bit of seasoning, it takes the place of cheese in this flavorful pizza.
Coconut-Encrusted Tofu Cutlets from Jazzy Vegetarian Laura Theodore. Whether serving dedicated vegans or skeptical omnivores, these satisfying and hearty tofu cutlets are soft and savory on the inside with an awesome crispy and crunchy coating on the outside.
Caramel Chai Cheesecake from Sweet Eats for All by Allyson Kramer. Silken tofu is the base of this vegan version of the the classic decadent dessert.
What’s your favorite way to cook tofu?
